The landscape of personal audio has shifted dramatically in 2026. Users no longer want to be isolated from their surroundings; they want to stay connected while enjoying high-quality sound. If you are searching for the best budget open ear headphones, two names dominate the conversation: the Raycon Essential Earbuds and the Nearity Mempod Fit 2. In this head-to-head comparison, we'll dive into which pair offers the ultimate value for your ears.
Key Takeaways
- Connectivity: Nearity’s USB-C dongle eliminates lag, making it superior for PC office use over Raycon’s Bluetooth-only setup.
- Battery: Nearity leads with 45 hours of total playtime, compared to Raycon’s 36 hours.
- Design: Raycon emphasizes a "featherlight" lifestyle feel, while Nearity offers a more secure, ergonomic grip for active users.
- Sound: Both feature ENC for calls, but Nearity’s HiFi4 DSP provides a richer bass profile.
- Durability: Nearity offers better environmental protection with an IP54 dust and water resistance rating.
Raycon Essential Earbuds vs Nearity Mempod Fit 2: Which is the Best Budget Open Ear Headphones for 2026?
When it comes to market positioning, Raycon has built its reputation on being a lifestyle-first brand, offering sleek aesthetics and celebrity-backed appeal. The Raycon open earbuds are designed for the trend-conscious user who wants a "set it and forget it" experience.
On the other hand, the Nearity Mempod Fit 2 positions itself as a high-performance alternative, leveraging Nearity’s professional audio background. While Raycon focuses on a minimalist look, Nearity emphasizes utility and build quality. Both models aim to be the good budget earbuds by offering premium features—like multi-point connection and ergonomic ear hooks—at a fraction of the cost of high-end competitors.
Sound Quality & Technology: Do These Offer the Best Budget Wireless Earbuds with Noise-Cancelling Experience?
A common question is whether open‑ear designs can deliver noise cancellation comparable to traditional ANC. It’s important to note that open‑ear headphones don’t support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) due to their design but focus on Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for calls and voice clarity. For a detailed tech comparison between ANC and ENC, see this ENC vs ANC explanation from Electronics Hub.
- Nearity Mempod Fit 2: This model stands out with its HiFi4 DSP bass enhancement algorithm. Because open-ear designs often lose low-end frequencies, Nearity uses advanced digital signal processing to simulate a deep, rich bass. Furthermore, its dual-microphone AI system provides a superior noise-cancelling experience for your voice during calls, filtering out background wind and traffic.
- Raycon Essential: Raycon relies on high-fidelity drivers that offer a balanced, crisp sound profile. Their ENC technology is solid, ensuring your voice remains clear, though it lacks the specific low-end "punch" found in Nearity’s DSP-driven hardware.
Comfort and Stability: Why They Lead the Best Budget Bluetooth Over the Ear Headphones Category
Many users search for the best budget bluetooth over the ear headphones because they find in-ear tips uncomfortable. The ear-hook design of these two models provides the stability of traditional headphones without the heat and pressure of large ear cups.
- Raycon’s Lightweight Feel: The Raycon Essential is incredibly light, designed with a "featherlight" philosophy. You can wear them for hours without feeling the typical fatigue associated with bulkier over-the-ear options.
- Nearity’s Ergonomic Grip: The Mempod Fit 2 uses premium, skin-friendly silicone. Its 9.9g weight is distributed perfectly across the ear. For those with an active lifestyle, the Nearity grip feels slightly more secure during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or sprinting, making it a top contender for the best budget open ear headphones in terms of stability.
Connectivity Bonus: The Game-Changing USB-C Dongle of Nearity Mempod Fit 2
One feature that truly sets the Nearity Mempod Fit 2 apart is the inclusion of a USB-C dongle. These earbuds with dongle offer a more stable, low-latency connection compared to Bluetooth and may include better DAC hardware for improved audio performance. According to this guide from Android Central, USB‑C dongles provide more advantages in audio performance compared to traditional USB‑C headphones.
- Why it matters: The USB-C dongle provides a much more stable connection for professional use. It eliminates the common "Bluetooth pairing lag" often experienced with Windows laptops and ensures lower latency during video calls on Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- The Raycon Side: Raycon Essential relies on traditional Bluetooth pairing. While it features the latest Bluetooth 6.0 for speed, it lacks the dedicated hardware bridge that makes Nearity so reliable for hybrid workers who switch between their phones and laptops constantly.
Battery Life and Daily Performance: Is 45 Hours of Playtime the New Standard?
In 2026, battery anxiety should be a thing of the past.
- The Nearity Advantage: The Nearity Mempod Fit 2 sets a high bar with up to 10 hours of continuous play and a total of 45 hours including the charging case. This makes it a beast for long-distance travel or back-to-back office meetings.
- Raycon’s Efficiency: The Raycon Essential offers a respectable 36 hours of total battery life. While slightly less than Nearity, it compensates with the latest Bluetooth 6.0 technology, which ensures a more stable and energy-efficient connection with modern smartphones.
Summary: The Verdict on the Best Budget Open Ear Headphones
Choosing between these two depends on your primary use case:
| Feature | Raycon Essential Open Earbuds | Nearity Mempod Fit 2 |
| Price (Original) | $79.99 | $99.99 |
| Key Advantage | Brand recognition, ultra-lightweight | 45h battery, USB-C Dongle |
| Noise-Cancelling | ENC for clear calls | Dual-Mic AI ENC for calls |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Waterproof | IPX4 | IP54 (Better Dust Protection) |
| Special Accessory | None | USB-C Dongle Included |
| Best For | Fashion-forward casual users | Hybrid workers & power users |
The Verdict:
- Choose Raycon Essential if you want the most stylish, lightweight raycon open earbuds that disappear on your ears.
- Choose Nearity Mempod Fit 2 if you want the best budget earbuds for PC that offer long battery life, professional connectivity via the USB-C dongle, and superior call quality.
Ready to experience the perfect blend of 45-hour battery life and seamless USB-C connectivity? Don't settle for standard Bluetooth lag. Get the professional edge today.
FAQs
Why choose these over the best budget bluetooth over the ear headphones?
Traditional over-the-ear (earcup) headphones can be heavy, cause "ear sweat," and disconnect you from your environment. The Raycon and Nearity ear-hook designs provide the same secure fit but allow your ears to breathe, making them safer for outdoor running and more comfortable for all-day office wear.
Does the USB-C Dongle work with all devices?
The Nearity USB-C dongle is designed for laptops (PC/Mac) and tablets. It provides a more stable connection than standard Bluetooth, which is particularly useful if your computer has an older Bluetooth chip.
Are best budget bluetooth over the ear headphones comfortable with glasses?
Yes, both feature slim hooks that fit easily alongside most eyewear frames. If you want to see a live demonstration of how the Nearity Fit 2 works with glasses, you can watch Keith's video for a visual walkthrough.
Can these replace traditional noise-cancelling headphones?
They offer the best budget wireless earbuds with noise-cancelling for calls (ENC), but they are intentionally designed to let you hear your surroundings for safety.
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